Students should participate in Old Masters events

Perhaps, if it were more widely known, the title "Old Master" could become the American version of the "sir" or "dame" titles given in Britain. We could give it to Congressional Medal of Honor winners and Americans who have displayed inner-strength and character of mammoth proportions. "Old Master" Rudy Giuliani certainly has a nice ring to it, doesn't it?

Today and Tuesday, Purdue holds it's annual Old Masters’ activities where former Boilermakers who have put their education to good use and have made it to the top of their perspective fields come down from on high to mingle with the lowly commoners (students).

This is one of the greatest programs that Purdue has. It should be expanded and become a highly anticipated event similar to Homecoming or Grand Prix. Not because of blowout parties, but because of the tremendous opportunity it offers.

In this event, students are allowed to talk and hobnob with the intellectual elite. We can stand next to them and ask the all-important question, "How did you do it?" Students can establish contacts through the Old Masters and learn the level of commitment required to achieve greatness. Perhaps the Old masters will even share drinking stories from their glory days of yore.

For the Old Masters it is equally beneficial. Besides the gratification of knowing that they are an "Old Master," they get to share their experiences with eager youth and give back some of the success they have earned in the form of donations and grants. In addition, they get to visit their old stool in Harry's and hang around with carefree college kids.

It is not easy to achieve greatness in America. The competition is brutal, the road can be long and perilous but, as Thomas Jefferson once said, "there's always room at the top."

Cheers to Purdue for holding such an event. We should only be so lucky to meet an Old Master, much less become one. Hopefully, the hours of watching "Friends" and listening to droning lectures haven't fried our brains to the point that we ignore their wisdom and expertise and miss this wonderful opportunity.

n Editorial Board (and future Old Masters): Keith Thomas, Tom McHenry, Erica Sagon, Matt Poston, John Wakefield, Shawn McGann.

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